JULIE BERTRAND/Independent reporter
The organizers of the Stettler and District Music Festival congratulated themselves for another great year as the final curtain went down at the Grand Concert Presentation, which was held on April 19 at the Performing Arts Centre.
Out of 1,300 participants, two choirs and nine people got provincial recommendations.
More than $7,000 was awarded in scholarships.
Unfortunately, this year, contributors gave less money for scholarships.
“We’ve had years where we collected $10,000 for scholarships,” said Sherry Kempel, member of the festival committee.
“It was a little bit less this year but we were still very pleased.”
Kempel believes that people are being more selective this year where they give their money because of the economic downturn.
“I don’t believe that there are any less people interested in the festival,” said Kempel.
The final concert was sold out.
“I think we sold all but five tickets. That would be 262 tickets,” said Kempel.
“It was pretty full.”
Seven adjudicators judged the participants during 23 sessions, which were held from April 5 to 16.
“Each of the seven categories ran at different time of the day,“ said Davidson.
The number of participants shocked Davidson, who is in her first year as a member of the committee.
“That’s a huge number! It’s pretty awesome for a little town,” said Davidson.
“I just thought that it went really smoothly.”
Eighty-eight volunteers kept the festival on tracks.
“The people that have run it for so many years do an incredible job. We’d be lost without them,” said Davidson.
The festival gave the Award of Excellence to Carolyn Newton. Every year, it’s given to somebody that contributes to the performing arts in the community.
Newton is involved in Just Friends, has participated in every H.A.T.S and Gilbert and Sullivan production, either as an actress or as a costumer. Moreover, she used to be the hospital volunteer coordinator for all the music in the seniors homes and the hospital.
“She’s been a busy lady,” said Kempel.
The 2011 provincial recommendations are as follow.
Choral 16 years and under: The Gracenotes Choir
Choral 14 years and under: The Rhapsody Girls’ Choir
Vocal girls 16 years and under: Dacia Gramlick
Vocal girls 12 years and under: Sara Lovell
Vocal boys 12 years and under: Joseph Brigley
Musical theatre senior ballad: Erin Chase
Musical theatre senior up tempo: Erin Chase
Musical theatre ballad 16 years and under: Jaycee Davidson
Musical theatre up tempo 16 years an under: Jaycee Davidson
Musical theatre 12 years and under: Sara Lovell
Piano grade 5/6 level: Erin Yaremcio
Piano grade 7/8 level: Jennifer Taylor
Speech 16 years and under: Meghan LaRose
Speech 12 years and under: Hannah McKay